“Great day to be alive!
Some “Must Reads”
70’s Big is a fun little resource for a variety of things, but it isn’t the only lifting site out there. I want to play the part of “RSS for Strength” to highlight a few articles that we’ve enjoyed lately. This should keep you distracted on this glorious Monday.
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The first article is something that all of you novices need to pay attention to (this also includes everybody that weighs under 200 pounds).
From StartingStrength.com: YNDTP by Mark Rippetoe
The idea is that you must gain some bodyfat in the process ifyour bodyfat is low, and that you should lose some bodyfat if it is high. I don’t want you fat, but Idon’t care about seeing your abs. If you want to see your abs, fine – worry about that later. I want youto get big by getting stronger, and to do this it may be necessary for your bodyfat percentage to go upin the process. Later, if necessary, the process of losing it can be more easily accomplished when youhave more muscle mass. But right now, just worry about getting strong, and big will be a side-effect, aswill improved body composition. And if you don’t stop misinterpreting this, I will have you all killed.
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This website is obviously focused on basing a training (or even exercise) program around the development of strength. Tree More Reasons Why I Hate “Fitness” by Jason Nunn on Elite Fitness Systems has a similar mindset, and the dude is peeved with the fitness industry.
If you’re considering a Google search for “certified personal trainer,” you’ll likely come across around 5,342 personal trainer certifications. While hiring a personal trainer can be beneficial for those seeking accountability and guidance, relying solely on the “certified” label might not be enough. Obtaining a personal trainer certification is somewhat analogous to earning your CPR certification. Much like being CPR certified doesn’t automatically make someone a paramedic, having a trainer certification doesn’t necessarily guarantee expertise. It’s crucial to look beyond certifications and consider the actual qualifications and experience of the trainer. By the way, if you’re looking to earn your CPR certification, MyCPR NOW is a great resource to check out.
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One of the best tools you can do for all around conditioning, especially for a strength athlete, is push a prowler sled (read what we had to say about it here). However, you may not always have a prowler on hand, or you may be a travelin’ man.
Treadmill Pushing: The Solution to the Prowler-less Gym by Keir Wehham-Flatt on Elite Fitness Systems.
…as a freelance trainer working with clients at more than one facility, I often find that time, space, and equipment constraints preclude the use of sled pushing with my clients. I have found treadmill pushing to be a great substitute for sled work on such occasions and have implemented it in my programs over the past year with success.
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Oh, and send in your mustache pics for the May Picture Submission Contest if you want to get in the running for a free 70’s Big shirt. Looks like Tom is gonna win.
